When The Daytona Beach City Commission named local businessman Glen Ritchey to fill the unexpired term of the later Mayor Yvonne Scarlett Golden, I knew we were getting a tremendous individual.  However I didnt realize the depth he wished to serve.

I learned this fact in a little talked about statement made by Mayor Ritchey about taking a leave of absence from his business.  Ritchey has the reputation of being a self-made man and one of the most personable and effective pitch man in the business. As a spokesman myself, I have a tremendous respect for the manner in which Glen Ritchey showcases the Jon Hall Chevy dealership.

The opinion of Ritcheys sales value is also shared by General Motors executives who might have been taken aback by the Mayors decision regarding his business work as well.  It should be noted Ritcheys business decision comes in light of a superior depth of lieutenants to run the dealerships on a day to day basis. Without that bench of talent, Glen might not have been so open about taking a year off.

Surely everyone knows, the Mayors job though rated part time by city charter is in fact a full time opportunity given the right individual for the job.

In his swearing in meeting, the new Mayor identified projects to benefit the inner city. It is clear the Mayor understands the citys needs and the role a highly visible Mayor can play in an arena where the City Manager runs the day to day operations of the city and the Commission sets policy.

Holding taxes down and offering incentives to existing business to expand has been partially ignored by Mayors since the Kelly era. While everyone talks about jobs, the city often finds its high tax rate has been a deterrent to business expansion.

Long considerated a Tallahassee issue, tax relief for business has become such a necessity for local small business people, that this Mayor might find himself making frequent trips to the Capitol to drive home that point.

We will be all watching and listening.